Gentlemen, perhaps this should be in the gunsmithing forum, but for the time let us see what happens...I wish to purchase either the African or Alaskan version of the Ruger MK II. What I hope to attain is an all up, loaded and scoped 8.5 lb. maximum rife. So for those who have one, please give me your opinions as to which is the best version to begin with and then give me your ideas for cutting just a little weight off. I appreciate your comments! Arthur Olds

If I were in the market for a Ruger .375 I'd buy the African and replace the stock with a nice synthetic. Or Just leave it in the wood. It is such a slim nice handling rifle that the longer version really doesn't seem cumbersome at all.

I would opt for the Safari model..The most gun for the money you can buy on todays market IMO.

If you had to get a Ruger, then buy the African model and stick a couple of crossbolts and properly bed it.

I've handled both and bought the African.

Oh wait a minute, I'm left handed and they only offered the African in LH.

In spite of that obvious reason for buying the wood stock model, even if they would have made the Alaskan in LH and considering my residence in soggy Alaska, I would have still bought the wood. I think the Alaskan is clunky and not at all attractive. For use here in Alaska I like the idea of buying a different composite stock for either model. I think the stainless model would look a lot better with an HS stock or something similar. I suspect I'll just use the stock mine came with.

Thank you, gentlemen. The clunky Alaskan is my opinion as well. I suspect that either would look good in a better stock, the African with better bolting in, the Alaskan with a better stock all together. But great advice, all.

Keep the suggestions coming, please!

Arthur Olds

quote:

Originally posted by ArthurOlds:
Gentlemen, perhaps this should be in the gunsmithing forum, but for the time let us see what happens...I wish to purchase either the African or Alaskan version of the Ruger MK II. What I hope to attain is an all up, loaded and scoped 8.5 lb. maximum rife. So for those who have one, please give me your opinions as to which is the best version to begin with and then give me your ideas for cutting just a little weight off. I appreciate your comments! Arthur Olds

Why a Ruger? One should not get hung up on names. Here is from what I remember a good handling rifle made on Dakota 97 action ......

The 'Bear'....

All you need is good hearing protection and lower mounts, or something similar to my Kahles Helia 1,5-6x42. I think Burris is pretty much in "Mickey Mouse" category.

Arthur,

I looked at both the African and Alaskan. Fate forced my hand when I happened upon an lightly used Alaskan posted by another member in the AR classifieds. I purchased the Alaskan and have been very pleased overall.

I removed the rear v notch sight and installed a quick detach NECG peep sight...it works very well.

I opted for a Burris Euro Diamond 30MM in 1-4X with the german 3p reticle and warne QD mounts.

Yep...I agree...there are prettier rifles out there with walnut and blueing. However, for a knock about, heavy use big bore...I don't think you can beat the Alaskan for functionality or price.

Cheers

I went with the Alaskan but recently put a laminated stock on it and am very happy. Great bang for the buck.

quote:

Originally posted by The Slug:
I went with the Alaskan but recently put a laminated stock on it and am very happy. Great bang for the buck.

You should post a picture.

I'll take pics this weekend and get them posted. I went with a Weaver Classic Extreme 1.5-4.5x scope. I haven't seen much written about them but I'm very pleased with it.

Here it is. I brought the stock to the smith today to have a new recoil pad installed. I took it to the range yesterday and the shoulder is definitely going to appreciate it!

Hi Slug.
You look to have a nice bit of kit.

quote:

Originally posted by eurocentric:
If you had to get a Ruger, then buy the African model and stick a couple of crossbolts and properly bed it.

I thought the Ruger African was now crossbolted.
Ruger was now doing it because past problems with cracked stocks?

quote:

Originally posted by The Slug:
I'll take pics this weekend and get them posted. I went with a Weaver Classic Extreme 1.5-6x scope. I haven't seen much written about them but I'm very pleased with it.

That is a nice looking scope! What reticle did you pick for it? It also seems to be a 30MM tube, and illuminated! This scope interests me for a QD scope for my 9.3X74R double rifle!

Hi Mac,

Yes, it's a 30 mm tube with a German #4 lighted reticle (only a very small dot in the center of the reticle is lit). I really like this scope so far. See http://www.weaver-mounts.com/weaveroptics/classicextreme/index.html

quote:

Originally posted by David Culpepper:
I thought the Ruger African was now crossbolted.
Ruger was now doing it because past problems with cracked stocks?

They do have one crossbolt.
I have mine at the smith for adding another one, bed the stock and add a Decellerator pad.

quote:

I went with a Weaver Classic Extreme 1.5-6x scope.

Thanks slug, I'll check one out! Did I read wrong above? Is that a 1.5-6x, or a 1.5-4,5X24

Oops! You're right, it's a 1.5-4.5x.